Contribute to your profession on a Society Committee: 2023-2024 Committee Expressions of Interest

This committee considers matters referred to it in relation to allegations against members of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming, professional incompetence, and incapacity.  It provides direction on investigations when requested and addresses urgent matters where the public interest may require action by the Society. It refers matters to the Fitness to Practice Committee and to formal hearing and has other specific duties under the Legal Profession Act, Part III. 

Skills and attributes – an understanding of administrative law principles and professional regulation concepts; the CIC’s authority under the Act and regulations; the Code of Professional Conduct; the various practice standards; an ability to review lengthy and complex materials resulting from investigations and other reports; strong analytical and communication skills; an understanding of the Society’s responsibilities and obligations to complainants, lawyers and others impacted by complaints; a commitment to fairness, respect, integrity, accountability; an ability to separate public interest and legal ethics from lawyers’ self interest and, where required, to effectively balance those interests; and an ability to make difficult decisions and demonstrate firmness yet empathy toward those under investigation.

Time commitment – this committee requires a time commitment of about 6-10 hours/bimonthly to prepare for and attend regularly scheduled meetings; an additional 4-6 hours through the year to assist with complaint file review when requested; as well as an additional 3-6 hours on an ad hoc basis, as available, for unscheduled meetings, interviews and hearings (approx. 4-6 times per year).

This committee reviews complaints dismissed by the Director of Professional Responsibility that have been submitted by the complainant for Review. The committee determines on the basis of the complete complaint file materials whether the dismissal was correct or should be returned for commencement or continuation of an investigation.

Skills and attributes –an understanding of administrative law principles and professional regulation concepts; an understanding of the Code of Professional Conduct, and the Committee’s limited authority under the Act and regulations; an understanding of the Society’s responsibilities and obligations to complainants, lawyers and others impacted by complaints; and a commitment to fairness, respect, integrity, accountability.

Time commitment – an average of 4-6 hours bi-monthly for file review and participation in teleconference meetings.

This committee brings forward of its own accord, and reviews proposed changes to the Code,including those recommended by the Federation’s Model Code of Professional Conduct Committee or that otherwise come to the committee’s attention.

Skills and attributes – a detailed understanding of the Code and willingness to deepen that understanding; an ability to separate public interest and legal ethics from lawyers’ self interest and, where required, to balance those interests in order to support the Society’s mandate to protect the public; and an interest in research and reflection on professional values, duties and responsibilities.

Time commitment – this committee requires a time commitment of 3-5 hours bimonthly.

This committee makes a recommendation to Council for a recipient of the annual Distinguished Service Award.

Time commitment – this committee requires a time commitment of 3-4 hours/year.

This committee considers matters referred by the Executive Director or the Complaints Investigation Committee regarding concerns about a member’s capacity to engage in the practise of law. The committee also supports Council in the governance of the Society by developing policies and procedures for the Fitness to Practice Committee process.

Skills and attributes – familiarity with and/or specialized training relating to indicia and risks of incapacity including addictions and mental health concerns; clear understanding of the FTPC’s role and authority under the Act and regulations; understanding of resources and programs available to support those suffering from an incapacity; an ability to deal empathetically yet firmly with members under challenging personal circumstances including duress; commitment to fairness, respect, accountability, empathy, and cultural competence; and medical, health & wellness and psychology backgrounds.

Time commitment – ad hoc; most meetings are not scheduled in advance and may need to be convened with little notice, most requiring 2-3 hours, and often by teleconference.

Members of this committee serve on panels of three to adjudicate discipline charges and credentialing matters. This committee functions independently of Council, for the most part, and members of this committee are not permitted to also be a member of Council, or any other committee involved in the professional responsibility process.

Skills and attributes – significant knowledge of the Act, Regulations, Code of Professional Conduct, and administrative law principles, as well as civil and criminal court procedures; a solid understanding of the role and experience of an adjudicative body in regulatory matters; strong analytical skills; experience in decision making and writing; an understanding of the application of the ethical rules and practice standards to professional obligations; demonstrated commitment to fairness, respect, integrity, accountability, and the public interest in the practice of law; an ability to review and understand complex testimony, reports, materials and other evidence; and an ability to conduct oneself in an open-minded and unbiased manner.

Time commitment – this committee requires a time commitment that cannot be predicted because it is based on the number of hearings scheduled. There are on average two hearings each year, of varying lengths. All members are required to attend an annual professional development program of 1 – 2 days.

This committee reviews claims for compensation by claimants who have sustained pecuniary losses due to a misappropriation or wrongful conversion of the claimant’s money or property by a member or law corporation. As an advisory committee to Council, it may make recommendations for policy changes in addition to carrying out its responsibilities assigned to it by the Legal Profession Act and the Regulations.

Skills and attributes – an understanding of the Committee’s authority under the Act and regulations, policies and procedures; strong analytical skills; the ability to review sometimes complex and voluminous investigative reports and files; a commitment to fairness, respect, cultural competence, integrity and accountability; a commitment to uphold and protect the public interest and balance these interests with the need to make consistent and appropriate decisions about payments from the Fund.

Time commitment – this committee requires a time commitment that cannot be predicted because it is based on the number of claims being reviewed. It is possible for there to be no meetings in a particular year, or for there to be up to 6 or more meetings, depending on volume of claims.

The Society’s Professional Standards Committees cover the areas of real estate, family law, criminal law and law office management. The committees develop standards, for approval by Council, that will enhance the quality of practice of the profession and law office management.

Skills and attributes – considerable practice experience in one of the areas covered by the standards or in law firm management; an understanding of the role the Society’s professional standards play in enhancing the quality of practice; and a commitment to developing professional standards that will both assist lawyers in their practices and are practical in setting.

Time commitment – these committees require a time commitment of approximately 3-5 hours/month on average. If assigned to develop a standard, additional time for research, drafting, editing, etc. will be required, which may range from 15-20 hours total on average.

This committee makes recommendations for improvements in the Society’s professional responsibility processes from complaint intake to hearing and is tasked with advising Council on how new models for regulation can be incorporated into that process to support the Society’s commitment to a Triple P and risk-focused approach. The Committee liaises with any committees involved in the processes being recommended for improvement.

Skills and attributes –  significant knowledge of the Act, regulations, Code of Professional Conduct, and administrative law principles, as well as civil and criminal court procedures; familiarity with professional regulation best practices generally; commitment to fairness, respect, integrity, accountability, and the public interest in the practice of law; a progressive and creative attitude that embraces change and process improvement, and an ability to serve as a change agent for those involved in the processes; and experience in prosecution and defence of members of professions.

Time commitment – this committee requires a time commitment of 3-5 hours/bimonthly.